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Ferentz's future son-in-law hire under review

The University of Iowa athletics department is considering whether to move the future son-in-law of Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz out of the football program.

University spokesman Mark Braun said Thursday that Athletics Director Gary Barta is reviewing the employment of Tyler Barnes and would take appropriate action.

Braun said a report in The Cedar Rapids Gazette newspaper about Barnes' hiring as administrative assistant for football raises questions about whether the school followed its policy on nepotism.

He said Barnes and Ferentz have a relationship and the question now is how to handle it.

Barnes was hired without a search last year, and his temporary position was recently extended for a second year through January 2014.

Barnes had previously worked in the athletics department. He got engaged last year to Ferentz's 25-year-old daughter.

UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta released a statement on Barnes on Thursday:

"Due to the change in personal status of Iowa football program employee Tyler Barnes, there will be a review of his long-term employment options related to his current position. Barnes is engaged to Joanne Ferentz, the daughter of head coach Kirk Ferentz.

"By all accounts, Tyler has been a model employee within the athletics department and other areas across campus the past few years. I am not aware of any complaints or concerns related to Tyler’s job performance during that time period.

"I have reviewed Tyler’s job duties, and I am comfortable with him fulfilling these duties at this time. In the short term, and effective immediately, Tyler will report to associate athletics director Rick Klatt in our external relations unit. This supervisory move makes sense, as several of Tyler’s current duties within the football program focus on website, internet and social media functions associated with recruiting. This will also help mitigate his change in personal status in the short term.

"Again, his longer term employment status will be determined as part of the UI’s human resources review."

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